THE
INAUGURAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 13, 2026
NAISA will launch at a national conference in April, bringing together school leaders, sector professionals, and partners.
The conference will include:
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Keynote contributions
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Opportunities for discussion and networking
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A workshop about the new Ofsted inspection framework
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A session led by the Senior HMI for independent schools and a Specialist Adviser HMI
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Time to explore the future direction of NAISA
Venue: Fazeley Studios, 191 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SE
Our Speakers
Session Leader
Philippa Darley
Ofsted's Senior HMI for Non-association Independent Schools
Philippa is a qualified teacher, having worked for 12 years in secondary education, including as an advanced skills teacher and local authority coordinator for educating the most able. Before joining Ofsted, Philippa worked for a national trust and local authority, supporting school improvement. She is an experienced inspector of secondary, primary and special schools. Philippa is Ofsted's Senior HMI with responsibility for inspections of non-association independent schools nationally. She works on the central school's policy team and was responsible for developing the renewed inspection framework for non-association independent schools.
In the session titled “Let’s Hear from Ofsted”, Philippa will share insights into how non-association independent schools are faring under the new inspection framework, offering a deeper and more detailed perspective than that provided through recent engagement webinars. She will also respond to questions from delegates. Philippa will be accompanied by Matthew Vellensworth HMI, Specialist Advisor for Non-association Independent Schools.
Keynote Speaker
Jaz Ampaw-Farr
International Motivational Speaker | Author | Human-first Care-experienced Positive Disruptor.
Jaz Ampaw-Farr is a multi-award-winning international speaker, author of Because of You, This Is Me, and one of the UK’s most sought-after motivational voices.
From surviving abuse and foster care to becoming a TEDx speaker, BBC commentator, and stand-up performer at the Edinburgh Festival, Jaz inspires global audiences with humour, humanity, and hard-won wisdom.
Her documentary Re-Story Your Life was selected for Diversity in Cannes, and she’s in the Speakers Hall of Fame. As co-founder of Be Human First Ltd, she empowers leaders to lead with courage and connection. Jaz doesn’t just talk—she transforms.
Workshop Facilitator
Stephen Long
International School Improvement Consultant | SEND Tutor.
Stephen has 37 years’ experience of working in education as a teacher, senior leader, consultant and local authority senior education officer.
Stephen’s significant experience as a practising Ofsted inspector since 2017 ensures that he is fully up to
date with inspection practice and developments in education. As such he is tasked with facilitating our featured workshop – “The New Inspection Framework: What Schools Can Expect”
This two-hour, whole-group workshop provides a clear and practical walkthrough of the new inspection framework and what it means in reality for non-association independent schools. It combines explanation, real-world examples and hands-on tools to help schools understand expectations and prepare with confidence.
Delegates are invited to submit questions at the point of booking, which will help shape the session, and there will also be opportunities to ask questions during the workshop itself.
Opening Keynote
Sarah Johnson
International Keynote Speaker | Government Advisor | SEND Audit & Inclusion Specialist | Author of Books on Social Emotional Mental Health & Behaviour
Sarah Johnson works with Jarvis Education to deliver school improvement support across the sector. She is an experienced educational leader, consultant and author specialising in behaviour, emotional wellbeing and inclusive practice.
With over 20 years' experience across mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units, Alternative Provision and mental health settings, Sarah supports schools and trusts in developing effective behaviour systems and inclusive environments for vulnerable learners. She also delivers training, keynote presentations and advisory support nationally and internationally.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
The conference will bring together decision-makers from independent schools across the sector. Exhibiting or sponsoring offers opportunities to:
Engage directly with school leaders
Build meaningful professional relationships
Support collaborative sector development
Express your interest in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor below!
Our Venue
Our workshop will take place at Fazeley Studios, a beautifully restored Victorian chapel in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham’s creative quarter. The venue’s light-filled spaces and historic character create a calm, inspiring setting to step away from the day-to-day, reflect on practice, share experiences and connect with colleagues across the sector. Surrounded by one of the city’s most vibrant and artistic neighbourhoods, it offers a distinctive and welcoming environment to start the summer term with fresh thinking and renewed energy.
Address: 191 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SE
Travel Information
For those travelling by train, Fazeley Studios is...
A 10 minute walk from Birmingham Moor Street Station
A 19 minute walk from Birmingham New Street/ 10 minute taxi ride
For those travelling by coach, Fazeley Studios is...
A 10 minute walk from Birmingham Coach Station
For those travelling by car, Fazeley Studios is...
A 3 minute walk from Fazeley Street Car Park, 159 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5RT
An 8-minute walk from Digbeth Court Car Park, 162 High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD
An 8 minute walk from Zellig Car Park, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AT